Device for driving piles, preferably poles, into a foundation

ABSTRACT

Device for driving piles, preferably poles, into a foundation. The device for ramming pole foundations limits idle times between ramming operations and takes the form of a self-propelled rail-road or dual purpose vehicle that can be driven on rails laid on a ballast or over a road surface and the vehicle can swivel over 360° with a top in relation to the undercarriage, with an operation cabin, a counter weight and a hoisting arm being arranged on the noted top, with a turning and tilting unit being provided at a free end of the hoisting arm, with a leader having a rammer mounted in a guiding unit, wherein, in the working position, the leader stands vertically and the top is turned 90° with respect to the direction of the rails and, when the ramming operation is finished, the leader is centrally clamped by the guiding unit and is turned 90° by the turning and tilting unit, with the leader and rammer then being shouldered by the hoisting arm and the device can thus be driven to the next ramming position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority PCT Application No. PCT/AT93/00097,filed Jun. 8, 1993, which in turn claims the priority of AustrianApplication No. AT 1189/92, filed Jun. 10, 1992, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority PCT Application No. PCT/AT93/00097,filed Jun. 8, 1993, which in turn claims the priority of AustrianApplication No. AT 1189/92, filed Jun. 10, 1992, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to a device for ramming a foundation, preferablyfor a mast, particularly for an aerial or overhead line mast, wherebythe foundation is drivable into the soil via a rammer provided on aleader.

2. Discussion of the Background of the Invention and MaterialInformation

Austrian Patent Publication AT-PS 387,256 and AT-PS 390,294 set forth adevice for the foundation of a mast which is comprised of four mutuallyorthogonal steel sheets. This foundation is rammed into the soil withcorresponding machines. Ramming in particular has the advantage that noexcavation is required. In addition thereto, ramming, for example inrail arrangements does not damage the ballast. During foundation work,via shaking or vibration, the materials, surrounding the anchoringportion, such as sand or broken stone becomes quasi "liquid". Arequisite further solidification of the ballast bed is the result.

Up to now, during ramming operations, the guide bar or leader, togetherwith its rammer or drop hammer had to be transported from ramminglocation to ramming location, after appropriate assembly anddisassembly, with a vehicle. Correspondingly long idle times were theresult.

It is the task or object of this invention, to produce a device of thepreviously described type, which limits the idle times between theramming operations.

This invention solves the noted task or object. The device according tothis invention is therein characterized in that the guide bar or leaderis attached to a carrier unit via a hoisting arm, wherein one end of thehoisting arm is tiltingly engaged on the carrier unit and carries aturning-tilting unit on its free or other end, which in turn positionsthe guide bar. By means of this invention it has become possible for thefirst time, to rationally set or place mast foundations, particularly onalready existing overhead transmission lines. Via the turn and tiltingabilities of the leader, the leader can thus be so positioned, that onone side, the ramming operation can be performed and, on the other side,the leader with its rammer or drop hammer can be brought into atransport position, in order to cover the distance to the next rammingposition, via the carrier unit, in an area having existing overheadlines.

As per a further characteristic of this invention, the carrier unit iscomprised of an undercarriage or chassis and of a mounting or top,mounted thereupon, which is pivotable at least 90° and preferably 360°,with a hoisting arm being arranged on the mounting or top. Via the useof such a carrier unit any desired positioning of the guide bar orleader is thus possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a further embodiment of this invention, the carrierunit takes the form of a self-propelled rail-road or dual purposevehicle for use in rails as well as roads, with the vehicle having anoperator cabin and a counterweight. Thereby, on one hand, rammingoperations can take place on rails, thereby providing the advantage ofperfect work positioning, since, for example, a road vehicle cannotadvance through a rail bed to a ramming location. On the other hand, thevehicle can be street driven from one building site to another.

As per a special characteristic of this invention, the hoisting ishydraulically tiltable or pivotable, in the vertical plane, via ahydraulic cylinder. This ensures easy positioning of the guide bar orleader, since such hydraulic systems are already so well developed thatthere are practically no interruptions.

In accordance with a further embodiment of this invention, theturning-tilting unit is comprised of a positioning plate, a rotary tableand a guide unit for the guide bar or leader. This simple unit,constructed of solid machine elements permits the practical positioningof the guide bar or leader in any position within a three dimensionalspace.

As per a further characteristic of this invention, the positioning plateis, on one side, rigidly secured to the rotary table and pivotallyjournalled or received at the hoisting arm, with the rotary table thusbeing tiltable.

In accordance with a special embodiment of this invention, thepositioning plate includes at least one orthogonal plate, with thelonger cathetus of the plate being attached at the rotary table, and thecenter of gravity with the hoisting arm is located close to the centerof the hypotenuse of the plate. This simple mechanical element ensuresuninterrupted functionality.

As per a further characteristic of this invention, the plate includesattachment points in the corners of the hypotenuse for the hydraulictilting actuation thereof, wherein each hydraulic cylinder has its otherend coupled to the hoisting arm. Thus, a defined tilting movementbecomes possible.

In accordance with a special embodiment of this invention, the rotarytable includes a toothed ring and is thus movable via a hydraulic motor,wherein the turning angle of the guide bar or leader is at least 90°. Inorder to place the guide bar or leader into the transport position thistilting is indispensable.

As per a further characteristic of this invention the guide bar orleader is movable in the guide unit preferably via a hydraulic cylinder.Thereby the guide bar or leader, in the transport position, can besupported in the center of its longitudinal extent.

In accordance with a further embodiment of this invention, the guide baror leader is comprised of multiple pieces and is preferablyhydraulically extensible. Thus the lift or stroke can be increasedduring ramming.

As per a special characteristic of this invention, the rammer or drophammer is hydraulically actuated. The avoidance of the usual explosionnoises contributes to the environmental compatibility of this device.

The main advantage of this invention lies therein that this device canbe utilized with existing rail transmission lines. In addition theretothe device of this invention is thusly constructed that, for example, aparallel second rail is not encumbered. Thus, on this second rail,railway operation can be maintained on an unimpeded manner.

Specifically, this invention pertains to a device for ramming afoundation for a mast, preferably a mast for an aerial or overhead linemast, wherein the foundation is drivable into the soil via the device,the device comprising a rammer, with the rammer being provided on aleader and the leader being provided with a hoisting arm, wherein thehoisting arm is tiltable in a vertical plane and retained on a carryingunit, with the carrying unit being comprised of an undercarriage, theundercarriage having mounted thereupon a turnable top, with one end ofthe hoisting arm being tiltably arranged on the carrying unit, wherein aturning-tilting unit is arranged on a free end of the hoisting arm, withthe turning-tilting unit being comprised of a positioning plate, arotary table and a guiding unit for the leader, with the turning-tiltingunit being adapted for the positioning of the leader in any desiredposition within a three dimensional space.

In a further embodiment of the device of this invention, the positioningplate is fixedly connected, on one side, with the rotary table and ispivotally journalled at the hoisting arm.

In another embodiment of the device of this invention, the positioningplate includes at least one further plate having the form of anorthogonal triangle, with the further plate having a longer cathetusthereof attached at the rotary table and wherein the center of gravityof the triangle, relative to the hoisting arm, is arranged near thecenter of the hypotenuse of the triangle.

In a differing embodiment of the device of this invention, the furtherplate includes attachment points in the corners of the hypotenuse of thetriangle, for the hydraulic tilting actuation thereof, a pair ofhydraulic cylinders each having one end thereof connected withrespective ones of the attachment points and, the hydraulic cylinderseach having a respective other end coupled to the hoisting arm.

In yet a further embodiment of the device of this invention, the rotarytable includes a toothed ring and a hydraulic motor, with the toothedring being movable by means of the hydraulic motor, with the pivot angleof the leader being at least 90°.

In still another embodiment of the device of this invention, the rotarytable includes a toothed ring and a hydraulic motor, with the toothedring being movable by means of the hydraulic motor, with the pivot angleof the leader being at least 90°.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof. Such description makes referenceto the annexed drawings wherein throughout the various figures of thedrawings, there have generally been used the same reference charactersto denote the same or analogous components wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the arrangement in a working position;

FIG. 2 shows the arrangement during the transporting from a ramming siteto ramming site;

FIG. 3 shows the arrangement during transportation on a rail from oneallotment to the next; and

FIG. 4 shows the hoisting arm with the turning-tilting unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with FIG. 1, rails 2 are positioned on a ballast bed 1upon which a self-propelled rail-road vehicle 3 can be driven. Therail-road vehicle has a top or mounting 4 that is rotatable 360°relative to its undercarriage 5. Disposed upon top or mounting 4 is anoperator cabin 6, a counterweight 7, as well as the hoisting arm 8. Thefree end of hoisting arm 8 is provided with a turning-tilting unit 9. Aguide unit 10 journals or carries leader or guide bar 11 which in turnis provided with rammer or pile driver 12.

In its working position, guide bar or leader 11 is in the verticalposition and mounting 4 is turned 90° relative to the directional extentof the rails. The foundation unit or device 13 which is to be rammed ordriven into the soil is placed vertically on the soil and the drivingcap 22 of rammer or pile driver 12 is placed upon the free upper end offoundation unit 13. The ramming procedure can now be carried out.

Upon completion of the ramming procedure, guide bar or leader 11 isapproximately centrally clamped by guide unit 10 and turned 90° byturning-tilting unit 9. Leader 11, together with rammer 12 is thenshouldered or carried by hoisting arm 8 (FIG. 2). Transportation to thenext ramming site can then be accomplished. At the next ramming site,leader 11 can again be brought to its vertical working position by thetilting of hoisting arm 8 and the positioning of turning-tilting unit 9.The next ramming procedure can now begin.

If transporting from one building site to a differing building site isrequired (FIG. 3), mounting or top 4 is turned 90° into its direction oftravel and guide bar or leader 11 is horizontally tilted byturning-tilting unit 9 parallel to the directional extent of the railsand lowered by hoisting arm 8. By virtue of its construction of arail-road or dual purpose vehicle 3, the transportation thereof can alsobe accomplished on the street or road.

As per FIG. 4, hoisting arm 8 is tiltably mounted or journalled onmounting or top 4. Hoisting arm 8 is actuatable via at least one, andpreferably two, parallelly arranged lifting or raising cylinders 14.Turning-tilting unit 9 is attached on the free end of hoisting arm 8.Turning-tilting unit 9 is comprised of a positioning plate 15, a rotarytable 17 and guide unit 10. Positioning plate 15 is pivotally ortiltably attached to hoisting arm 8, whereby its center of gravity 16 islocated near the center of the hypotenuse. Positioning plate 15 includesa nearly orthogonal plate 21, with the longer cathetus of plate 21 beingattached by positioning plate 15 on rotary table 17. In the corners ofthe hypotenuse, plate 21 includes attachment points 18, 19, for thehydraulic actuation thereof. Suitable hydraulic cylinders 20 are coupledto the other sides of hoisting arm 8. Rotary table 17 includes a toothedring and is movable via a non-illustrated hydraulic motor. Guide unit 10for guide bar or leader 11 is disposed on rotary table 17 on theopposite side of positioning plate 15.

While there are shown and described present preferred embodiments of theinvention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is notlimited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practicedwithin the scope of the following claims and the reasonably equivalentstructures thereto. Further, the invention illustratively disclosedherein may be practiced in the absence of any element which is notspecifically disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for ramming a foundation for a mast,wherein the foundation is drivable into the soil via the device, thedevice comprising: a rammer, with the rammer being provided on a leaderand the leader being provided with a hoisting arm, wherein the hoistingarm is tiltable in a vertical plane and retained on a carrying unit,with the carrying unit being comprised of an undercarriage, theundercarriage having mounted thereupon a turnable top, with one end ofthe hoisting arm being tiltably arranged on the carrying unit, wherein aturning-tilting unit is arranged on a free end of the hoisting arm, withthe turning-tilting unit being comprised of a positioning plate, arotary table and a guiding unit for the leader, with the turning-tiltingunit being adapted for the positioning of the leader in any desiredposition within a three dimensional space.
 2. The device of claim 1wherein the mast is one of an aerial and overhead line mast.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2, wherein the rotary table includes a toothed ring anda hydraulic motor, with the toothed ring being movable by means of thehydraulic motor, with the pivot angle of the leader being at least 90°.4. The device of claim 1, wherein the positioning plate is fixedlyconnected, on one side, with the rotary table and is pivotallyjournalled at the hoisting arm.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein thepositioning plate includes at least one further plate having the form ofan orthogonal triangle, with the further plate having a longer cathetusthereof attached at the rotary table and wherein the center of gravityof the triangle, relative to the hoisting arm, is arranged near thecenter of the hypotenuse of the triangle.
 6. The device of claim 5,wherein the further plate includes attachment points in the corners ofthe hypotenuse of the triangle, for the hydraulic tilting actuationthereof, a pair of hydraulic cylinders each having one end thereofconnected with respective ones of the attachment points and, thehydraulic cylinders each having a respective other end coupled to thehoisting arm.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the rotary tableincludes a toothed ring and a hydraulic motor, with the toothed ringbeing movable by means of the hydraulic motor, with the pivot angle ofthe leader being at least 90°.
 8. The device of claim 5, wherein therotary table includes a toothed ring and a hydraulic motor, with thetoothed ring being movable by means of the hydraulic motor, with thepivot angle of the leader being at least 90°.
 9. The device of claim 4,wherein the rotary table includes a toothed ring and a hydraulic motor,with the toothed ring being movable by means of the hydraulic motor,with the pivot angle of the leader being at least 90°.
 10. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the rotary table includes a toothed ring and ahydraulic motor, with the toothed ring being movable by means of thehydraulic motor, with the pivot angle of the leader being at least 90°.